This is intended to be a homage to very many musicians I've loved since I started listening to music. My intention is to tell what I know about them, hoping that those people who like them too, will help me fill numerous gaps, which I may have in their careers and discographies. Sorry, but there are no MP3 audio files here at all, just info (and love for the musicians).

HiStats

Thursday, 30 July 2015

Jazz bass player and arranger, Howard Rumsey was born on November 7th, 1917 in Brawley, California. He studied piano, drums and contrabass in Los Angeles.

His first pro band was Vido Musso Orchestra, where he met pianist Stan Kenton. Then, he joined the band for trumpeteer and vocalist (and actor) Johnnie Davis.

STAN KENTON ORCHESTRA

In 1941, Rumsey was called Stan Kenton who was to start his own Stan Kenton Orchestra, although he soon left due to disagreements. Rumsey recorded several tracks with them, but with CD age, many albums have been released with alternate takes, rarities or radio broadcasts, featuring Rumsey.

Rumsey was also a member of Charlie Barnet Orchestra and Barney Bigard Orchestra, also forming his own combo.

THE LIGHTHOUSE ALL-STARS

In 1949, Rumsey played with his band at The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, and this changed his trajectory. He helped to raise The Lighthouse status as one of the best jazz venues. Rumsey started acting as musical director and later he became co-owner of the club. Many great jazz players were members of what was called The Lighthouse All Stars (to be more acurate, the credits in the albums say: Howard Rumsey´s Lighthouse All-Stars). There are many albums (mostly live) recorded there.

They recorded the live album Jazz Rolls Royce with the aid of some friends, such as Pete Candoli, Al Porcino, Ed Leddy, George Worth, Milt Bernhart, Harry Betts, Red Callender, Hoyt Bohannon, Marshall Cram and Larry Bunker.

Other info on members of The Lighthouse All-Stars (I know up to 36 members)